Vichy France Overview

Key Points

Vichy France: The regime in France from July 1940 to September 1944, led by Marshal Philippe Pétain.
Context: Established after the Nazi German defeat of France in World War II following the Franco-German Armistice.
Division of France: France was divided into two zones; one under German military occupation and the other under nominal French sovereignty.
Government: Pétain was granted full executive and legislative powers without a constitution due to Pierre Laval's persuasion.

Franco-German Armistice: Signed on June 22, 1940, dividing France into occupied and unoccupied zones.
Change in Policy: The policy of Vichy government shifted according to the fortunes of the war.
Occupation of Entire France: On November 11, 1942, Germany occupied all of France.
Resistance Movements: Grew rapidly, leading to a civil war environment between the Resistance and Vichy/German forces.
Liberation of France: The Allied invasion of Normandy led to the liberation of France and the collapse of the Vichy regime.

Philippe Pétain: Head of the Vichy regime.
Pierre Laval: Main architect of the Vichy regime, returned to power in 1942.
Charles de Gaulle: Led the Free French movement against both the Vichy regime and German occupation.

Slogans and Ideals: The republican slogan "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" was replaced with "Work, Family, Fatherland."
Collaboration with Nazis: Vichy France attempted collaboration with Nazi Germany, which became more pronounced over time.
Shift to Full Collaboration: By 1944, individuals who favored collaboration with Nazi Germany became more dominant.

Liberation and Collapse: Following the Normandy Invasion, the Vichy regime collapsed.
Trials and Executions: Pierre Laval was executed in 1945; Pétain was sentenced to life in solitary confinement where he died in 1951.

Historical Significance: Vichy France remains a controversial period in French history, noted for its collaboration with Nazi Germany and the internal resistance it sparked.